Using a Portable Garage for Spring and Summer Storage

Most couples who are having a formal sit-down dinner assign their guests to tables and, in some cases, specific seats. Many people agonize over their seating charts and worry about putting people next to each other who either have nothing in common or don’t get along. Here are some tips to help you take the stress out of creating your wedding seating chart.

Don’t stress too much about your seating arrangement. Your guests will only be seated at their tables for part of the reception. They will eat their meal and then have plenty of time to socialize with guests at other tables. Try to avoid seating people together who might have conflicts, but don’t worry about designing perfect groups.

Software is available that can help you with your seating chart. You can also take a low-tech approach and write each guest’s name on a Post-It and stick them on papers until you find a configuration that works.

At most weddings, guests are assigned to specific tables and choose their seats. In that case, you will need escort cards or a seating chart near the door to direct guests to their tables. If you assign guests to specific seats, you will also need place cards at each seat.

You can choose to sit at a head table with your spouse or with the entire wedding party. If your families get along, you can all sit together. Try to seat yourselves near the center of the room to maximize the number of guests who will be seated close to you.

Most round tables are 60 inches and can comfortably seat six to 10 people. Rectangular tables are usually six feet long and 30 inches wide. They can seat six or eight people, depending on whether guests are seated on the ends.

Tables should be spaced at least 60 inches apart. This will give guests and waitstaff space to move around comfortably. Tables should also be at least 30 inches away from a wall.

Have speeches and toasts either after people have been served their entrees or after the last group has gone through the buffet line. People can eat and listen at the same time, and they will not feel pressure to make conversation with people they may not know at their tables. Be sure that the first person who gives a toast tells the guests to continue eating while people are speaking.

Ask your guests for input when you are deciding on seating, but remember that the arrangement doesn’t need to be perfect. Your guests will be there to celebrate your big day and will be happy that they were invited.